On July 8, the Nanhai Museum in Foshan, Guangdong Province, hosted an exhibition of fine Guang embroidery from the Nanhai Museum at the Handan Museum in Hebei Province. The exhibition will run until August 20. The exhibition showcases over 60 fine Guang embroidery pieces from the collection of the Nanhai Museum, spanning from the late Qing Dynasty to the present day. It includes everyday practical items such as screens, curtains, clothes, and skirts, as well as delicate decorative embroideries like purses and sachets, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the Lingnan region.
Guang embroidery, a traditional folk embroidery technique originating from the Guangfu region with Guangzhou as its center, is a typical representative of Yue embroidery (including Guang embroidery and Chao embroidery). Alongside Su embroidery, Xiang embroidery, and Shu embroidery, it is known as one of the four famous embroideries of China. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, thanks to the flourishing silk industry and the expanding domestic and international market demand, Guang embroidery experienced rapid development as an ancient folk craft. In the process of exploring folk and Western aesthetic orientations, it has formed rich Lingnan artistic characteristics. Ranging from large-sized folding screens to small bags and fan cases, Guang embroidery boasts a wide variety of products. It is renowned for its intricate and full compositions, vivid and vibrant colors, and delicate and skillful stitching techniques. According to the purpose of Guang embroidery, it can be classified into three categories: daily necessities, religious offerings, and decorative items for appreciation. The latter refers to Guang embroidery works used for decoration, including scrolls, hanging screens, table screens, and embroidered paintings.
As a traditional folk craft, Guang embroidery has gradually faded from people's daily lives and transformed into an intangible cultural heritage. However, its past glory still leaves an imprint in the tide of history. Even today, traditional Guang embroidery techniques persist resiliently under the impact of the new era, finding new life in a more accepted way by people.
This fine Guang embroidery exhibition is one of the inter-museum exchange exhibitions planned and launched by the Nanhai Museum in 2016. It has been successively exhibited in various locations, such as Yangjiang City Museum, Foshan Ancestral Temple Museum, Lijiang Museum, Yizheng Museum, Nanning Museum, Tangshan Museum, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum, and Langfang Museum, and has been well-received by audiences. By organizing exhibitions across the country, Nansha Museum aims to allow the general public to not only understand the history and artistic characteristics of Guang embroidery but also appreciate its craftsmanship and charm.
